Cherry tree named ‘STARLAM’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of cherry tree denominated ‘STARLAM’ has fruits with important fruit set, that ripen late to very late in the season, with large to very large size and two-colored red and yellow fruit skin, very firm, and with a good and semi-sweet to balanced flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by its good handling and storage qualities.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Prunus avium (L.) L.

Variety denomination: ‘STARLAM’.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2018/3674 filed on Nov. 29, 2018 (Nov. 29, 2018) which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The new variety named ‘STARLAM’ is also known as 6N.18-2.30.14 CE or ASF1613. Indeed, before giving a name to a new and distinct variety of fruit tree, a provisional reference is assigned, considering the references of a tree in orchard. This provisional reference is constituted firstly with the number of the parcel on which the tree has grown, then the number of the line, the tree number and usually the year of selection. Then before being named ‘STARLAM’, the provisional reference of this cherry tree variety was 6N.18-2.30, corresponding to the tree 30 located in line 18-2 of the parcel 6N. The letters “CE” are related to the first letters of the type of tree in French (CE for “CErise”, that means “cherry”). Once the hybrid selected, the breeder assigned a clone reference that begins with the letters “ASF” followed by the year of selection and a number corresponding to the maturity order. The final name is only assigned once the application has been filed and the name approved after its publication in the official bulletin. For the variety ‘STARLAM’, the clone reference was ‘ASF1613’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and reproduction of orchard trees, among which peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, and cherries are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of cherry tree was originated and reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Elne, Pyrénées Orientales, France.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new a distinct variety of cherry tree Prunus avium L. which has been given the variety denomination ‘STARLAM’. This tree produces fruits with a long shelf life without alteration both on the trees after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality with a cream to slightly yellow colored flesh, and for fresh market in June in the Pyrénées Orientales department, France.

Contrast is made to ‘RAINIER’ cherry tree (not patented) for reliable description. ‘STARLAM’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it produces very attractive fruits having a long shelf life.

The present new variety of cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) was developed by us in our experimental orchard located in France. ‘STARLAM’ cherry tree originated in a cultivated area of the South of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department where it was also tested. This zone also called Roussillon is subject to a Mediterranean climate. The winter is generally sweet that is to say the total amount of cold hours lower than 7° C. (Celsius) varies from 600 hours to 1200 hours. The summer is hot and dry, that is to say the total amount of sunshine hours is an average of 2400 hours to 2800 hours per year. The prevailing wind is called “Tramontane”: it dries the air and clear the sky from clouds, but its intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruits quantity and/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year and are mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitations occasionally happen, and the summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

‘The STARLAM’ variety resulted from an open pollination of the cherry tree variety named ‘FIRELAM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,564) which was used as the seed parent. Thus, the pollen parent is unknown.

The ‘STARLAM’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Maxma14’ (non-patented) rootstock trees. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruits characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruits production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstock tree set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was asexually reproduced by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

Compared to the fruits produced by the cherry variety named ‘RAINIER’ (not patented), that show a weight between 8 and 10 grams, the ‘STARLAM’ variety produces fruits that are heavier, with a weight of approximately 11 to 12 grams, and the fruits of ‘STARLAM’ have a bigger size.

Also, the variety named ‘RAINIER’ is a self-sterile variety of cherry tree, whereas the new variety ‘STARLAM’ is considered as a self-fertile cherry tree.

Compared to ‘RAINIER’ cherry tree, which trees show an upright habit, the trees of the new variety ‘STARLAM’ are considered semi-upright.

Compared to the cherry variety named ‘BURLAT’ (not patented), which is considered to be a variety with a red color of skin, the new variety ‘STARLAM’ shows a two-coloured skin.

The fruits of ‘BURLAT’ usually ripen two to three weeks earlier than the fruits of ‘STARLAM’, depending on the year. The size of the ‘STARLAM’ fruits (size 29-30) is bigger than the size of the ‘BURLAT’ fruits (size 27-28). The flesh fruit of ‘BURLAT’ is considered red, whereas those produced by the ‘STARLAM’ variety have a cream to slightly yellow flesh. Moreover, the fruit taste of ‘STARLAM’ is more sugary than the fruit taste of ‘BURLAT’.

Compared to its seed parent variety, which is a cherry tree variety named ‘FIRELAM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,564) as set forth above, the fruits of the new variety ‘STARLAM’ ripen later. More particularly, the fruits of ‘STARLAM’ usually ripen 6 to 7 days later than the fruits of ‘FIRELAM’.

Moreover, the new variety ‘STARLAM’ is considered as a self-fertile cherry tree, no pollination needs to be performed through other varieties, contrary to ‘FIRELAM’.

The coloration of fruit flesh of ‘FIRELAM’ is considered red, whereas the flesh of ‘STARLAM’ is cream to slightly yellow.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety ‘STARLAM’ produces fruits of large to very large size, very firm, with a semi-sweet flavor, low acidity, and a two-colored skin, particularly a skin with a red color blush on a yellow background. The blooming period is medium for the variety, generally from the middle of March to the beginning of April. The maturity period is considered late to very late, and generally begins early June, in the South of France. However, it was observed that its early date of blooming and maturity seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety as depicted in color as nearly true as is reasonably possible in color illustrations of this character. These specimens were obtained at the Elne Experiment Station,

South of France.

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a view of a tree of the new variety in orchard at blooming time.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a view of a tree of the new variety in orchard at ripening time, with branches bearing fruits.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which shows a close view of a branch bearing fruits at ripening time in orchard.

FIG. 4 shows typical white flowers of ‘STARLAM’ variety at blooming for depicting the flower buds at different stages of development; and the reverse and side view of the flowers and the reproductive organs with petals removed, of the new variety.

FIG. 5 is a color photograph which shows the upper and lower sides of leaves, and some whole fruits of the new variety at ripening time.

FIG. 6 is a color photograph showing different views of the stone of the new variety and the kernel of the stone.

FIG. 7 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typical fruits of the new variety ‘STARLAM’ at ripening time, one fruit having been cut in a half, with the stone being left in one of the halves for depicting the fruit flesh, the stone, and the stone cavity of the new variety.

The enclosed photographs show plants in their fifth growing season.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruits depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of cherry tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of specimens grown near Elne, South of France, with color in accordance with The R.H.S. (Royal Horticultural Society) Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

The trees, flowers and fruits may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices and climatic conditions.

The main characteristics of this new variety of sweet cherry are a big fruit size with a two-colored skin considered red on a yellow background. The color of fruit flesh is cream to slightly yellow. The fruit is very firm.

The time of beginning of flowering is medium whereas the time of beginning of fruit ripening is considered late to very late.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of cherry tree, the following has been observed on trees on their sixth growing season (five year of production) except for the tree and trunk that have been observed on trees on their fifth growing season (four year of production) under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales department, France.

All observations have been done on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘MAXMA14’ tree. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. (Royal Horticultural Society) Colour Chart 2001 (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree: -   Generally: The first year the cherry tree is generally cut at 2.50     meters height. The length in one year for each lateral shoot varies     from 0.60 meters to 0.80 meters. We are cutting the cherry trees     during the second year to a height of 2.50 meters. The form of the     cheery trees is cylindrical, and the diameter is limited to 1 meter.     -   -   Size.—Medium to high as compared to other commercial sweet             cherry cultivars. The tree size the first year was             approximately 2.50 meters. The tree was pruned during each             following dormant season to a height of approximately 2.50             meters. Current season's shoots growth could reach 0.60 to             0.80 meters. So, the tree size from the second year (second             and next years) reached a final height of 3.10 to 3.30             meters. The mature branches have been pruned to a length of             30.0 centimeters in order to place nets on the trees.         -   Spread.—Approximately 2.0 meters with a cylindrical shape.             The whole orchard was oriented to a central leader             organization, with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees             spaced of 1 meter in a same tree line.         -   Vigor.—Medium, tree growth reaching 0.60 to 0.80 meters the             first growing season.         -   Productivity.—Good to very good productivity, every year.             The new variety produces adequate fruit set annually on a             regular basis. The number of the fruit set varies with the             prevailing climatic conditions and cultivar practices             employed during the bloom period and is therefore not             distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular and quantitative. The extinction of the             clusters of May improves the size and firmness of the fruit.         -   Form.—Semi-upright.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of France             and especially where the chilling requirement is between 350             and 1200 hours. No injury with temperatures as low as             −12° C. in winter. Good resistance to late frosts. More             particularly, experimentations on the same orchard in Elne,             Pyrénées-Orientales department, with winter chilling             requirement below 7.2° C. comprised between 700 hours and             1200 hours according to the specificities of the year,             namely 1031 hours in 2012-2013, 777 hours in 2013-2014, 893             hours in 2014-2015, 718 hours in 2015-2016, 825 hours in             2016-2017,1017 hours in 2017-2018, and 844 hours in             2018-2019 showed a good behavior of the tree in all cases. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Approximately 72.0 to 76.0 millimeters above             20.0 centimeters from ground, on 5^(th) growing season.         -   Bark texture.—Smooth with reliefs due to the lenticels.         -   Lenticels.—High number of lenticels. The number of lenticels             reaches 10 lenticels per 10 cm². At the 5^(th) growing             season, lenticels are 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in height and             5.0 to 6.0 millimeters in width.         -   Lenticels color.—Color of lenticels is light orange (RHS             GREYED ORANGE 164 B to RHS GREYED ORANGE 164 C).         -   Bark color.—Color of bark is brown (RHS BROWN 200 A to RHS             BROWN 200 B) to grey (RHS GREY 201 A). -   Mature branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium for the branches at the 6th growing season.         -   Diameter.—Average diameter of 16.0 to 20.0 millimeters.         -   Crotch angles.—The crotch angles are generally 75 degrees             from the vertical axis. This particular characteristic is             not considered distinctive of the variety, however.         -   Internode.—Between 40.0 and 45.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Old growth is brown to grey (RHS BROWN N200 B).         -   Surface texture.—Rough with medium lenticels, similar as             bark texture. Wood that is several years old has no furrowed             appearance.         -   Lenticels.—The number of lenticels on mature branches             reaches 2 lenticels per cm². The lenticel height is             approximately 0.5 millimeter and the lenticel width is             approximately 1.5 millimeters. The lenticels are stretched             round in shape.         -   Lenticel color.—The lenticels on mature branches have a             light orange color (RHS GREYED ORANGE 164 B). -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Size.—Medium for the new growth.         -   Diameter.—Considered medium. Average diameter of about 5.0             to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Smooth. Wood that is several years old has             no furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally 60 degrees from the vertical             axis. This particular characteristic is not considered             distinctive of the variety, however.         -   Internode.—Considered short. Generally from 25.0 millimeters             to 30.0 millimeters length.         -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A) to light brown (RHS             GREY BROWN 199 A) on lower part of new growth, whereas the             upper part is darker and colored in brown (RHS GREYED ORANGE             165 A). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Medium for the species. Leaf measurements have been             taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth at             approximately mid-shoot. The ratio leaf length/leaf width is             2.158.         -   Length.—Average length with petiole is 153.25 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average width is 71.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf form in cross view.—Concave.         -   Leaf form.—The form of the leaf is considered entire, with a             one-piece limb and without projections of the limb.         -   Apex.—Caudate.         -   Leaf base.—Round.         -   Leaf margins.—Undulating.         -   Leaf margins form.—Leaf margins are considered dentate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are identical.         -   Leaf arrangement.—Helicoid. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 147 A).         -   Lower surface.—A lighter green than the upper leaf surface             (RHS YELLOW GREEN 146 A or RHS YELLOW GREEN 147 B).         -   Leaf texture.—Both surfaces of leaves are smooth, without             any pubescence.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Width.—Approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Light green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 A) and evolves with             maturity. -   Secondary veins:     -   -   Color.—Greenish (RHS YELLOW GREEN 146 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN             146 C). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 56.0 to 62.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—About 1.75 to 2.25 millimeters.         -   Texture.—The surface of the petiole is striped on its entire             length.         -   Color.—The upper surface of petiole is considered brown (RHS             GREYED ORANGE 165 A) whereas the lower surface is light             green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 152 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN 152 C).         -   Ratio blade length/petiole length.—More or less 3.0. -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—The length of leaf glands is about 3.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—The width of leaf glands is about 1.5 millimeters         -   Number.—Generally 2.         -   Type.—Reniform.         -   Margins.—Smooth and regular.         -   Position.—Alternate on the upper part of petiole.         -   Color.—On young leaves, the leaf glands are colored in red             (RHS ORANGE RED N34 A). On older leaves, leaf gland color is             considered brown (RHS GREYED ORANGE 172 A to RHS GREYED             ORANGE 172 B), depending on the leaf age. -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. -   Flowers: -   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             bunches are made up with 3 to 4 floral buds having a round             shape with a round tip. Their form is evolving until             blooming, with variables dimensions. Then, just before             blooming, floral buds show a width comprised between 7.0 and             9.0 millimeters and are approximately 16.0 to 18.0             millimeters long.         -   Distribution of flower buds.—The distribution of the flower             buds is considered homogenous on the trees.         -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flower's buds, or calyx, or flower receptacle, is of             green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 A to RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 B) to             brown color (RHS GREYED ORANGE 175 A) at the outer surface.             The inner surface of the calyx is considered greenish yellow             (RHS YELLOW GREEN 153 A to RHS YELLOW GREEN 153 B). Above             the calyx, the corolla, formed by petals, is generally pure             white (RHS WHITE 155 D) on both upper and lower surfaces.         -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales department climatic conditions.             No winter injury was noted during the last several years of             evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales department,             with winter temperatures as low as −10° C. in January. The             current variety has not been intentionally subjected to             drought or heat stress, but the variety showed a very good             resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42° C. with an             average temperature between 28° C. and 30° C. during 3 weeks             in summer.         -   Date of bloom.—Generally late March or early in April. The             first bloom was observed from April 1^(st) until Apr.             10, 2016. Then, next bloom took place from March 21^(st)             until Mar. 31, 2017, and then from April 1^(st) until Apr.             11, 2018.         -   Blooming time.—Considered medium relative comparison to             other commercial cherry cultivars grown in the             Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. The date of full             bloom is observed at the middle of the blooming period. The             date of bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and             cultural practices.         -   Blooming period.—Average 11 days. This characteristic varies             slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower (rosette).         -   Flower size.—Considered medium. Average diameter between             33.0 and 38.0 millimeters when totally opened.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant or very abundant,             between 220 and 280 flowers per meter.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 3 to 4 flower buds appear             per node.         -   Fragrance.—Soft. -   Petal:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species.         -   Length.—Generally between 17.0 and 18.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally between 16.0 and 17.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Round.         -   Petal count.—Usually 5.         -   Petal texture.—Both petal surfaces have a smooth texture.         -   Petal margins.—Slightly undulated.         -   Petal apex.—The petal apex has a wide dome shaped.         -   Petal color.—Pure white color (RHS WHITE 155 D) on both             surfaces.         -   Fragrance.—Very soft.         -   Arrangements of petals.—Intermediate. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a narrow form.         -   Length.—Approximately 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 1.5 millimeters.         -   Color.—White (RHS WHITE 155 D). -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium to long and having an average             length of approximately 14.0 to 18.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average 1.2 to 1.5 millimeters.         -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A to RHS YELLOW GREEN B). -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth.         -   Color.—At the stage F of blooming, when the flower is open,             the inner surface of the calyx, or flower receptacle, is of             greenish yellow color (RHS YELLOW GREEN 151 A). The outer             surface of the calyx is also considered green (RHS YELLOW             GREEN 144 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 C) or brown color (RHS             GREYED ORANGE 175 A). -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The outer and inner surfaces of the sepals             have a smooth texture.         -   Size.—Usually considered medium.         -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 to 7.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Shape.—Conic with a round tip.         -   Color.—The upper surface is green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 B to             RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 C) or brown color (RHS GREYED ORANGE             175 A). The lower surface of the sepals is considered green             color (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A to RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 B).         -   Number of sepals.—Generally 5, no overlapping.         -   Sepal margins.—Smooth. -   Stamens:     -   -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Between 29 and 34             stamens per flower.         -   Stamen.—Size compared to petals. The size of stamen is equal             to the size of petals. -   Anthers:     -   -   Length.—Medium.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 1.0 millimeter.         -   Form.—Cordate.         -   Color.—Yellow color (RHS YELLOW 13 B to RHS YELLOW 13 C).             The color evolves with flowering.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant and has a yellow color             (RHS YELLOW 11 A) that varies with maturity. The fertility             has been checked and the ‘STARLAM’ variety is self-fertile             (or self pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Number.—Between 29 to 34.         -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately between 11.0 and             12.0 millimeters in length, generally equivalent to pistil's             length.         -   Color.—Considered as white (RHS WHITE 155 B to RHS WHITE 155             C).         -   Position.—General shorter than petals length. -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1.         -   Length.—Approximately from 11.0 to 13.0 millimeters             including the ovary, that is equivalent to stamens length.         -   Color.—Considered green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 B). The color             may evolve with flowering.         -   Surface texture.—Glabrous.         -   Pubescence.—Absent.         -   Stigma.—Approximately 1.0 millimeter in diameter, with an             elliptic shape and a yellowish to light green color (RHS             YELLOW GREEN N 144 A).         -   Ovary.—Approximately 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in height. The             diameter of the ovary is about 1.25 to 1.5 millimeters. The             color is considered green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A). -   Type of reproduction: Self-pollination. -   Pollinator: This variety is self-fertile so no need to be pollinated     by other cherry varieties -   Fruits:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm at maturity.         -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 6, 2015. The date of picking             varies slightly with climatic conditions.         -   Date of last picking.—Last known picking times carry on from             June 6^(th) to Jun. 11, 2015, then from May 30^(th) to Jun.             5, 2017, then from June 6^(th) to Jun. 12, 2018.         -   Ripening period.—The ‘STARLAM’ variety has a late to very             late date time of beginning of fruit ripening. The ripening             period lasts approximately 6 to 8 days. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large to very large, with a             homogeneous size between them, size 29-30.         -   Average cheek diameter.—About 24.0 to 25.0 millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—About 26.0 to 27.0 millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally about 11.0 to 12.0 grams. The             medium weight is approximately 11.8 grams. This             characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Reniform.         -   Fruit suture.—Flared in shape and very slightly marked, not             prominent. -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—Slightly in depression.         -   Base.—Slightly in depression.         -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is 2.0 to 3.0             millimeters. Average width is about 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered medium thick and strong.         -   Tenacity.—The adherence of skin to flesh is considered             medium, depending on maturity stage.         -   Texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.         -   Tendency to crack.—None. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—The color of the fruit is considered             two-colored. The fruit skin is colored in red (RHS RED 42 A             to RHS RED 42 B) on a yellow background (RHS YELLOW 13 B to             RHS YELLOW 13 C). -   Fruit stem:     -   -   Generally.—Strong and flexible.         -   Size.—Medium for the variety.         -   Length.—Between 43.0 and 49.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average diameter is between 1.25 and 1.5             millimeters.         -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Homogenously and slowly. The flesh has a long shelf             life.         -   Texture.—Considered dense, crunchy, melting and juicy.         -   Fibers.—No fibers.         -   Firmness.—Considered firm.         -   Aroma.—Good presence.         -   Eating quality.—Good. The taste is considered semi-sweet to             balanced.         -   Flavor.—Semi-sweet, very sugared, aromatic. Medium acidic             level. Juicy and aromatic.         -   Juice.—Good amount.         -   Brix.—Between 13.9 and 14.8 with a medium Brix of             approximately 14.4, varies slightly with amount of fruit per             tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color of juice.—From a cream color (RHS YELLOW 4 D) to             translucent.         -   Color of flesh.—Cream to slightly yellow (RHS YELLOW 12 C).             and the color of flesh in the stone cavity and around the             stone cavity is similar. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Semi-freestone at fruits picking.         -   Size.—Medium for the variety.         -   Length.—Between 10.0 and 11.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Between 8.5 and 9.0 and millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Between 7.0 and 7.5 millimeters.         -   Form.—Broad elliptic.         -   Base.—Generally round.         -   Apex.—Round.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is light cream (RHS             GREYED YELLOW 161 D).         -   Stone cavity.—Medium, with a form and dimensions             corresponding to the stone's dimensions. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—Smooth.         -   Ridges.—None, smooth.         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Very shallow, more or less 0.5 millimeter. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Full, without any relief.         -   Tendency to split.—None. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Medium.         -   Length.—Between 7.0 and 7.5 millimeters.         -   Width.—Between 5.0 and 5.5 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—Between 3.0 and 3.5 millimeters.         -   Form.—Obovate.         -   Pellicle.—Not pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is light cream (RHS GREYED YELLOW 162             C). The almond, which is the seed of the kernel, is white             (RHS WHITE 155 B) and has a bitter taste. The kernel and its             embryo are mature at the time of fruit maturity. -   Use: Dessert. Fresh products.     -   -   Market.—Local and long distance. On the tree fruits can stay             10 days while keeping good gustative qualities. The lifetime             after picking is also good. -   Keeping quality: Good, held well for 30 days in cold storage at     2° C. and maintained good appearance and eating quality. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal bruising or scarring during     picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: specific tests were     run and ‘STARLAM’ variety seems to be low sensitive to pathologies,     to rupture and to conservation pathologies.

The present new variety of cherry tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées Orientales (66), France (FR). 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its important fruit set, its late to very late ripening, its fruits and especially by its large to very large size, its two-colored red and yellow fruit skin, its important firmness, good and semi-sweet to balanced flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by its good handling and storage qualities. 